Closeted ex-England footballer condemns Qatar World Cup, say reports
The former player is said to be considering coming out ahead of the World Cup.
A former England footballer supposedly planning to come out has condemned FIFA’s decision to stage the Word Cup in Qatar.
The ex-Premier League player is considering discussing his sexuality openly ahead of the World Cup, according to reports in The Sun.
A source has told the paper: “He thinks it was wrong to decide the tournament should be played in Qatar when they criminalise gay sexual relationships.”
Continuing they said, “Obviously England will be taking part but he doesn’t blame them.”
They concluded: “He’s hoping there will be many acts of protest against Qatar’s stance on homosexuality.”
Last month, Gary Lineker claimed to know two gay Premier League footballers who are gay but not out.
The 61-year-old broadcaster said it would be “amazing” if they chose to come out during the Qatar World Cup to send a strong message.
“It would be great if one or two of them came out during the World Cup,” Lineker said as reported by The Sun. Linekar noted the players have been “very close” to coming out previously.
In Qatar homosexuality is illegal and punishable with up to three years in prison or death under Sharia law.
According to a recent report from the Human Rights Watch (HRW) there have been “six cases of severe and repeated beatings and five cases of sexual harassment in police custody,” the most recent case being this September.
In 2020, Qatar told prospective visitors that LGBTQ+ fans would be free to visit the country for the World Cup games, making an exception for the abusive laws and practices that are in place.
HRW claims this is an “implicit reminder” Qatari authorities do not believe its LGBT citizens and residents deserve basic rights.
World Cup organisers have previously stated that everyone is welcome but in the same breath warned against public displays of affection.
And despite early signals that people would be able to wave rainbow flags at the World Cup, in April a senior security official in Qatar flags may be confiscated “to protect them [fans] from being attacked for promoting gay rights”.
Foreign Secretary James Cleverly recently came under fire for suggesting LGBTQ+ football fans heading to the World Cup should be “respectful” of Qatar’s anti-homosexuality laws.
“One of the things I would say to the football fans is please do be respectful of the host nation,” he continued. “They are trying to ensure that people can be themselves and enjoy the football.”
Last week (25 October), LGBTQ activist Peter Tatchell was arrested in Qatar after he staged an LGBTQ rights protest; authorities in Qatar deny the arrest, calling reports “completely false and without merit”.
The World Cup takes place in Qatar from 21 November to 18 December 2022.